When it was announced that Kevin Fogg and Ryan Ayers would be out for most of the rest of the season, most of Flames Nation was extremely worried. And for good reason. Fogg was a 2011 All-American, and was having his best season to date as a corner. Ayers was a 4 star recruit out of high school who came to Liberty after spending a season at Georgia Tech. Ayers was a solid fixture in the 4 man rotation at corner.
Take these 2 out, and the strength of Liberty’s team suddenly became a huge question mark. Replacing Fogg and Ayers are Kenny Scott and Sorie Bayoh. Scott was also part of the original 4 man rotation and Liberty’s nickel back. With the injuries to Fogg and Ayers, he suddenly became an every down corner in the Flames secondary. Bayoh played in just one game in 3 seasons coming into this season.
Liberty’s new secondary has had an opportunity to mesh as a unit over the last 3 weeks, and will face their first true test on Saturday at Coastal Carolina. Coastal ranks #29 in all of FCS in passing offense with 249 yards passing per game.
In the past 3 games, Kenny Scott has record 14 tackles and 3 pass break ups. Bayoh has recorded 5 tackles and 1 pass break up. In their first game after the Fogg and Ayers injures, Liberty’s secondary gave up 383 yards passing and 1 touchdown. In the past 2 games, the secondary has given up a total of 331 yards and 1 touchdown.
In order for Liberty to win, Scott and Bayoh, as well as the rest of the secondary, must continue their improvement in trying to slow down the Coastal passing attack.
